This year, as well as celebrating diversity across gender and sexuality, the editor’s choices also have a particular focus on different types of family: biological families, blended families, fostered or adopted families, and of course, the families we choose for ourselves. Discover the full selection from the authors and illustrators who bring these stories to life in Children’s Books Ireland’s latest Read with Pride guide, which is free to download now.
We hope you Read with Pride today and every day!
Children’s Books Ireland is the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading. Our mission at Children’s Books Ireland is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people on the island of Ireland, and to champion equitable access for all to excellent books. We share our expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence young readers and encourage schools and early childhood settings to build a positive culture of reading and reading aloud. We support and promote authors and illustrators and connect them with their audiences through our work.
For further recommendations, visit childrensbooksireland.ie.
This is a heartwarming and inclusive picturebook about a child’s exploration of gender. This beautiful character’s role is to encourage readers to freely express themselves through their clothes, sport and creative pursuits. A predominantly cool palette of blue, purple and fuchsia mimics the young child’s changing energy: at times calm, other times zestful. Pete has a warm, safe and supportive family unit, where their parents are co-pilots on their journey of self-discovery. A beautiful story to be read aloud. (Age 5+)
Princess Pete
by Zoey Allen, illustrated by Frenci Sanna (Walker Books)
Archie loves to spend time with his grannies – Nana Sue and Grandma Jo – who bring so much colour and creativity into his life. However, it sometimes seems to him that not everyone in their neighbourhood appreciates his grannies and their glamour. But when a new art gallery opens, Archie and his glamorous grannies have the perfect opportunity to show everyone how fun colour and creativity can be! This lovely story highlights the importance of living your life in ways that make you and your family happy. (Age 5+)
The Glamorous Grandmas
by Jodie Lancet-Grant, illustrated by Rose Gerrard (Oxford University Press)
Soccer-obsessed Jack settles down for his favourite bedtime story of Leo, Prince Ollie and the royal soccer match. A modern retelling of Cinderella but with a soccer twist, the story follows the familiar beats of the fairy tale classic, with evil stepbrothers, football, racing cars and even ‘the Hairy Squadfather’ as the Fairy Godmother! This book taps into every aspiring footballer’s dream of being the hero that scores the winning goal for their team, while cleverly adapting Cinderella to promote diversity and inclusivity. (Age 5+)
The Perfect Match
by Chris Becker, illustrated by Dan Taylor (Nosy Crow)
Scéal mothúchánach, mealltach é seo a léiríonn gaol speisialta idirghlúine. Tá Julian iontach tógtha le maighdeana mara agus, fad is atá mamó san fholcadh, déanann sé iarracht culaith mhaighdean mhara a chruthú dó féin. Ach céard a cheapfaidh mamó - ní hamháin faoin bpraiseach atá déanta aige ach faoina garmhac a bheith gléasta ar nós bean? Leabhar lán croí ina nglactar le páiste go díreach mar atá sé agus go dtugtar tacaíocht dó é féin a chur os comhair an tsaol mór ina bhealach, uathúil féin. A story filled with imagination and understanding, as a young boy learns that his grandmother accepts him for exactly who he is. (Aois 5+)
Julian an Mhaighdean Mhara
by Jessica Love, translated by Shanna Ní Rabhartaigh and Gillian Nic Ionmhain (An Gúm)
The Dad Trap
by Ian Eagleton (Scholastic)
When William and Florence meet on the first day of year six, they instantly dislike each other. So, when they find out their dads are dating, they decide to work together to try split them up! Eagleton explores LGBTQ+ identities and neurodiverse experiences along with adoptive and blended families. This is a light-hearted book full of pranks, fun and love, showing readers the importance of truly accepting themselves and others through its positive representation of diverse characters. (Age 10+)
Max and Ella, Stuck Together
by Kristina Rahim (Nosy Crow)
A warm and uplifting novel exploring what happens when two families are brought together through a shared connection: Max’s mums chose Ella’s dad, Hari, as a known donor, and the children are about to meet for the first time. Rahim handles this contemporary family set-up with clarity and sensitivity, capturing the emotional intensity of early adolescence without ever losing a sense of humour. A hopeful story that thoughtfully examines what makes a family, reassuring readers that love matters more than labels. (Age 10+)
An Seol atá Fút
by Annemarie Nugent (Cló Iar-Chonnacht)
Cuirtear Ríona i bpéire le Mealla Ní Mhearáin i gcampa seoltóireachta agus baineann an bheirt acu an-taitneamh as bheith amuigh ar an bhfarraige le chéile, ach an é an dlúthchairdeas nó an grá atá ag bláthú eatarthu i ndáiríre? Sciobfaidh an leabhar dea-scríofa seo chun seoil thú le híomhánna grianmhara an tsamhraidh agus cur síos álainn ar dhomhain an scéil tríd síos. Is fíor go bhfuil easpa leabhair sa Ghaeilge a théann i ngleic le téamaí LADTA+ go fóill agus is tairiscint álainn é an leabhar áirithe seo le cuid den bhearna sin a líonadh. Love blossoms between Ríona and Mealla when they are paired together on a summer sailing camp, but the seas challenge their young relationship. (Aois 12+)
NeuroQueer: Stories by us for us
by Various artists (ShoutOut
NeuroQueer is an informative guide highlighting how neurodivergent and queer identities can and often do overlap. While it does include advice for allies, the use of ‘we’ throughout the pages reinforces the ethos of the guide as a resource made by and for queer neurodivergent people. Using affirmative language and a conversational tone, the challenges that face the neuroqueer community are not sugar-coated, but this guide also highlights the joyous elements of existing within these identities. A perfect introduction for anyone beginning to explore their neurodivergence, sexuality or gender identity. (Age 12+)
Bad Queer
by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan, illustrated by Chi Nwosu (Faber & Faber)
Surya has always felt that traditional gender norms didn’t work for them, and with help from their close-knit support system, they have grown into themselves with ease. But then they meet Blessing, a charming creative who struggles to imagine a life beyond gender norms. Surya is forced to make a choice. They can have a future with Blessing and keep their true self a secret, or establish boundaries to honour their own worldview. With beautiful illustrations throughout, this verse novel is a love letter to queer youth. (Verse novel, Age 15+)
Arcana: The Lost Heirs
by Sam Prentice-Jones (Hot Key)
For centuries, Arcana has investigated paranormal entities parallel to the world of human beings and contained their magic to preserve order. But within Arcana’s celestial interiors and grand halls, the Majors are harbouring a perilous secret. Can Eli and his newfound coven free themselves from a generational curse? Prentice-Jones embraces diversity, authenticity and queer joy in their stunning tarot-inspired debut. Stylised illustrations evolve alongside the dialogue, creating an immersive experience for the reader. (Graphic novel, Age 16+)